International Air Transport Association hires GC from Hogan Lovells

Veteran aviation lawyer and partner in Hogan Lovells’ Washington, DC office Jeffrey Shane is to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as general counsel.

Jeffrey Shane

Shane will move from DC to IATA’s headquarters in Montreal in April, when he will succeed Gary Doernhoefer, who is leaving IATA. IATA represents 240 airlines worldwide and has offices in over 60 countries.

Shane has been a partner in Hogan Lovells’ aviation practice since 2008. His practice focuses on domestic and international aviation with an emphasis on regulatory, legislative, and transactional representation. He has frequently advised clients in the air transport sector on high-stakes strategic, policy, and diplomatic issues arising in the course of major transactions.

Shane has extensive experience working in the regulatory bodies governing the transportation and aviation industries. Prior to joining Hogan Lovells, he served as associate deputy secretary at the US Department of Transportation (DoT) for six years. Recognised for his role in forging an Open Skies aviation policy for the United States, he was also a principal architect of the DoT’s approach to international aviation alliances and antitrust immunity.

From 1994 to 2001 he was chairman of the Commission on Air Transport of the International Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Military Airlift Committee of the National Defense Transportation Association.

“Jeff has had a long and distinguished career in public service and in his law practice. He brings to IATA a deep understanding of the complex aero-political and commercial issues that affect our business as well as a genuine affection for aviation,” said Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of IATA. “I also want to thank Gary for his many contributions to IATA. During his three years here, he restructured the legal department with a focus on internal service and industry leadership. We wish Gary well in his future endeavors.”

“I have enjoyed my time at Hogan Lovells immensely and will miss my colleagues,” said Shane. “But the opportunity to serve aviation – the focus of my professional life for many years – as IATA’s general counsel was too exciting to pass up. I’m very much looking forward to this new role.”